Buckingham was arguably the principal creative force behind the 70s version of Fleetwood Mac. He is not only one of the main singer/songwriters, but also producer, leading them on an unusual journey from the commercial heights of 1977's Rumours (still among the biggest-selling albums ever) to the quirkily experimental double album Tusk in 1979.
Buckingham is also recognized as a unique & influential guitarist. Unlike many rock guitarists, Buckingham does not use a plectrum/pick, instead, he uses his fingers and fingernails.
Buckingham has recorded 6 studio albums and two live albums with Fleetwood Mac, and 6 studio albums and three live albums as a solo artist. The In Our Own Time Songfacts reports that Buckingham's sixth solo album, Seeds We Sow, was recorded at his LA home and he played most of the instruments himself. The record came out on September 6, 2011 and was his first to be self-released. As a member of Fleetwood Mac, he was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
Initially after joining Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham used a Gibson Les Paul guitar. Before the band, a Fender Telecaster was his main guitar, and was used on his first Fleetwood Mac album. In 1979, he worked with Rick Turner, owner of Renaissance Guitars to create the Model One. He has used it extensively since, both with Fleetwood Mac and for his solo efforts. He uses a Taylor Guitar 814ce for most of his acoustic performances and has also used an Ovation Celebrity in the past.
Doing What I Can
Lindsey Buckingham Lyrics
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Out on grey rock
Slow death shakes
The ticking of the tock
I go to sleep
Things left undone
I go to sleep now
Oh, the sun is bright
But too bright to see
When the darkness comes you've got to fly into the light
And what will be will be
Oh, the sun is hot
A man is just a man
When the darkness comes you're got to do with what you're got
I'm doing what I can
Laughing in my sleep
Dancing on the stone
Waiting here for something
Something I don't know
Deep in the darkness
I go to sleep
I pray the lord
My soul to keep
Oh, the sun is bright
But too bright to see
When the darkness comes you've got to fly into the light
And what will be will be
Oh, the sun is hot
A man is just a man
When the darkness comes you're got to do with what you're got
I'm doing what I can
The song "Doing What I Can" by Lindsey Buckingham is a deeply introspective and contemplative piece that explores the idea of mortality, fate and the struggle to make the best of one's life. The song opens with the image of a falcon perched on a rock, portraying a sense of stillness and calmness, but the line "slow death shakes the ticking of the tock" introduces the sense of urgency that lies beneath the surface. The theme of time and its inevitable passage recurs throughout the song, as the singer goes to sleep with "things left undone" and "flies into the sun", suggesting an acceptance of the unknown and the uncontrollable aspects of life.
The lyrics "Oh, the sun is bright/But too bright to see/When the darkness comes you've got to fly into the light/And what will be will be" suggest a willingness to face the unknown and the uncertainty of the future, while also recognizing the limitations of human existence. The chorus line "I'm doing what I can" highlights the central theme of the song and encourages the listener to do their best despite the circumstances.
The song's bridge, "Laughing in my sleep/Dancing on the stone/Waiting here for something/Something I don't know" encapsulates the sense of confusion and ambiguity that pervades the song, with the singer unsure of what is to come, but still trying to make the most of their time.
Overall, "Doing What I Can" is a deeply introspective piece that encourages the listener to embrace the uncertainty of the future and make the best of what they have, however limited it may be.
Line by Line Meaning
Falcon sits
A falcon is sitting calmly on a grey rock.
Out on grey rock
The falcon is sitting on a rock that's grey in color.
Slow death shakes
The falcon's death is imminent and it is shaking due to its feeble condition.
The ticking of the tock
The sound of a clock ticking in the background emphasizes the passing of time and the nearing death of the falcon.
I go to sleep
The artist is ready to sleep.
Things left undone
The singer has unfinished tasks that need to be completed.
I go to sleep now
The singer is about to go to sleep right away.
And fly into the sun
The artist is going to rest and leave everything on fate like flying into the sun.
Oh, the sun is bright
The sun is shining brightly.
But too bright to see
The sun's brightness is too intense for anyone to see clearly.
When the darkness comes you've got to fly into the light
When things are not going well, you should hold on to hope and faith in the future.
And what will be will be
Life is uncertain, and you must be prepared to accept whatever happens.
Oh, the sun is hot
The sun has become too hot to tolerate.
A man is just a man
Everyone is human and has limitations and weaknesses.
When the darkness comes you're got to do with what you're got
In adverse situations, you must make the most of what you have.
I'm doing what I can
The artist is making an effort to overcome the challenges and do his/her best.
Laughing in my sleep
The artist is laughing hysterically in his/her sleep.
Dancing on the stone
The singer imagines dancing on a rock's surface.
Waiting here for something
The singer is expecting something to happen.
Something I don't know
The artist does not know what he/she is hoping for.
Deep in the darkness
The artist is in a dark place, both physically and emotionally.
I go to sleep
The artist is trying to escape by sleeping.
I pray the lord
The singer is praying to the almighty to guide him/her through distressing times.
My soul to keep
The artist is asking God to safeguard his/her soul while sleeping.
Lyrics © HIPGNOSIS SONGS GROUP, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind